Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Range Rover
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$66,800 - $183,541

2025 price

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Range Rover

$218,880 - $274,990

2023 price

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Summary

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

2023 Range Rover

By Stephen Ottley

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

11.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

More power and torque
More fuel efficient
Stylish cabin

Cavernous, practical, luxurious cabin
Easy and smooth to drive
530 horsepower V8!

Dislikes

Misses V8 soundtrack
Big price rise over previous model
Smaller boot, no spare tyre

Heavy rear doors hard to open for little kids
Retractable door handles
Centre touchscreen looks aftermarket

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Summary

Let’s make one thing clear from the very beginning - this new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is technically superior to the model it replaces. Whether it’s actually better or not, is the real question at the heart of the matter.

Why? Because, like the C63 sedan stablemate, AMG has opted to replace the previous model’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It was a move brought about in part because of increasingly stricter emissions standards in Europe, but also ties-in with the German firm’s success in modern Formula One racing.

While the new hybrid system offers more power, more torque and better fuel economy, as the lukewarm response to the C63 has demonstrated, the hard reality for AMG is that its buyers associate it with V8 and even V12 engines. That emotional pull is hard to replace with logic, even if the new model offers technical superiority.

But how does the new powertrain suit the GLC63 - is it just technically better or is it holistically improved?

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2023 Range Rover Summary

Land Rover was making SUVs before they were even called SUVs.

Range Rovers were ferrying families around in prestigious four-wheel drive comfort decades before Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz even thought of doing it, too.

So, even with all its rivals these days, how well does a Range Rover do modern family duties?

Well the Range Rover Autobiography came to live with my little family of four for a week. We had the seven-seater long-wheelbase version with the twin-turbo petrol V8 engine, and this is what we discovered…

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2023 Range Rover

Verdict

Like I said right from the start, this new, hybrid version of the AMG GLC63 is technically superior to the model it replaces in every meaningful way. It is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient and therefore a better performance SUV than the model it replaces.

Is it a better model than the one it replaces? Ultimately that will come down to how much stock you put into the soundtrack and your feelings on an AMG not powered by a V8 engine.

Because if you can see past that, then the AMG GLC63 is an absolutely fantastic performance SUV. Not only does the new powertrain make it faster in a straight line, but the chassis is very well-balanced, making for an engaging driving experience.

For those who can look past the smaller engine they will be rewarded with an incredibly fast and rewarding-to-drive member of the AMG family.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Range Rover Autobiography long wheelbase is an outstanding SUV that is not just beautiful to drive but makes family practicality a priority, too,

The price is reasonable relative to the competition, the features list is long and complementary servicing offers peace of mind.

If you don’t need the third row, I’d consider the standard wheelbase Autobiography even if it does reduce legroom, there’s still plenty of space.

My son stopped short of giving the Range Rover Autobiography full marks "because there are no massaging seats in the second row".

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Range Rover What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Range Rover
What's the difference?